The 20-goal dream: Navaya closer than ever

Washington Navaya is closing in on a historic milestone in Zimbabwean football, with the Hardrock FC striker on the brink of a second successive Golden Boot and a 20-goal season that would place him in an exclusive class of goal scorers.

Navaya has already matched the 17 goals that earned him last season’s Golden Boot and now leads the race by five goals, with four matches remaining in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.

The former Highlanders and TelOne forward endured a slow start to the season but has once again shown why a quality striker should never be written off.

Having rediscovered his scoring touch, he is now within touching distance of rewriting the history books.He is chasing two major milestones: becoming the first player in the Zimbabwean top flight to win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons, and reaching the 20-goal mark, a feat last achieved by the late Norman Maroto 16 years ago.

HARDROCK FC COACH KELVIN KAINDU BACKS NAVAYA

Last month, Hardrock FC coach Kelvin Kaindu revealed he was deliberately pushing Navaya to chase goals and PSL history, even as the title race intensifies.

Kaindu’s determination to help his striker reach the milestone was evident in his decision to keep Navaya on the pitch even when he was struggling for form.

“We want him to score. A 20-goal season does not come every year. If he reaches that mark, his name will be in the history books,” Kaindu said. Former Young Warriors and Chapungu striker Brighton Mugoni, who backed Navaya during the early stages of the season, also believes the forward has what it takes to achieve both milestones.

“He has already proved to the football world that anything is possible by reaching the number of goals that won him the gong last season. Now, with four games left, five goals ahead and two major records within reach, he will definitely give his all. And if there is someone who can push himself, it’s him,” Mugoni said.

With his coach determined to help him make history and former players backing his ability, Navaya has a golden opportunity to turn an impressive campaign into a landmark season.Four matches remain and the five-goal cushion gives him an advantage in the Golden Boot race.

However, the challenge is far from over, with his closest rivals still hoping to close the gap.For Navaya, the target is bigger than individual recognition.

He has the chance to set a new benchmark for consistency in Zimbabwean football and revive memories of an era when 20-goal strikers dominated the domestic game.Seventeen goals already.

Four games to go. More records within reach.Washington Navaya is chasing more than another Golden Boot. He is chasing a place in Zimbabwean football history.

RELATED STORY: Blow for Hardrock: Navaya injured as 20-goal dream hangs in the balance